It's like 2016 couldn't end soon enough and now we're in March of 2017. It's mind-boggling.
Focus, Heather. You've got stuff to share.
Insecure Writer's Support Group
Our awesome co-hosts today are Tamara Narayan, Patsy Collins, M.J. Fifield, and Nicohle Christopherson!
Optional March Question - Have you ever pulled out a really old story and reworked it? Did it work out?
We have a lot of cool things in the works for our members, including another anthology opportunity and an upcoming Goodreads book club group.
Our latest venture – the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Twitter Pitch Party!
Hashtag #IWSGPit
July 27, 2017, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time
All writers and authors are invited to participate in our very first Twitter Pitch. Create a Twitter-length pitch for your completed and polished manuscript and leave room for genre, age, and the hashtag. On July 27, Tweet your pitch. If your pitch receives a favorite/heart from a publisher/agent check their submission guidelines and send your requested query. Many writers have seen their books published from a Twitter pitch - it’s a quick and easy way to put your manuscript in front of publishers and agents.
We invite all of you to join us that day! Authors with a publisher or agent, please ask if they would like to participate or pass along their contact information to the IWSG. We intend for this to be a twice yearly event, July and January, giving our members a great opportunity for publication. Help us spread the word!
See the IWSG Twitter Pitch page for details and a sample email to send to your publisher or agent.
Check out the IWSG Swag page for some cool new stuff, including mugs and erasers.
The tiny profit we make from sales of IWSG swag goes to fund opportunities to make the IWSG better for everyone and extend our reach. We recently created our own business cards and have other exciting options in the works.
The anthology authors are working hard to market the book. They’ve also set up a Hero Lost website, covering everything from the theme and genre to the stories and authors.
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As for me...I've been stuck on the same last chapters of book three for months. It's beyond writer's block at this point.
And honestly, I can't say whether it's the writing that's the problem or if it's what I know happens after I type 'the end' that's the problem.
Whatever it is, I've psyched myself out of finishing my book.
The worst part? I think this is the best one out of the three and I can't share it with anyone.
I've been patient. And I've tried just about every 'fix' out there. Now, I'm just getting more and more angry. This is when I feel like a wanna-be. When I feel like a fraud.
One book was lucky. Two was a fluke. Three? Well, you don't get three.
I don't have the kind of personality to just walk away, so I'll have to finish it. I hope.
So, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I hope you're all excited about the new IWSG ideas and announcements! There's always more to come!
HMG
Hey, I fluked my way through four books. You will complete the third one. Maybe it does need another set of eyes to jump start some ideas for you.
ReplyDeleteSeriously? I think there's something to #3. I COMPLETELY rewrote the ending to my trilogy 3 times. Like polar opposite differences, and that was with me already knowing how it should end. Ugh. It was actually my content editor who finally helped me find the right conclusion, so hey, it's okay to ask for help. Deep breath, eh?
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on not being able to finish, still struggling w/my ending too. And so cool on the IWSG twitter pitch, those are super popular, it seems.
ReplyDeleteIt's exciting to see so many new things happening with IWSG. It must be so frustrating to be so close to the finish line but not able to cross it just yet. But you will in due time. Cheers - Ellen
ReplyDeleteJust type the words "The End" and come back to it later. Maybe your writing brain will relax if it thinks you really have hit the end and you'll come up with an answer.
ReplyDeleteYou can do it! The third time's the charm, they say. :) So much wonderful stuff coming out of the IWSG.
ReplyDeleteWe've all been there, you're not a wanna-be! Sometimes the best way to break through a block is to just start chipping your way through it. Write some crap...any old crap...and eventually, you'll find the diamond buried in the block!
ReplyDeleteJust dump something on there to get to the end. Even if you know it's not the ending you want. Heck, especially if it's not the ending you want. Then it's done and you can move on to re-writes.
ReplyDeleteHi Heather - the IWSG is going great guns - with some wonderful new ideas - I'm sure they'll be supported. Good luck with any decision you make to get the book finished - sounds like it needs to be 'finished'!! Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI could have written this post today, except it's not the ending that's giving me trouble, but the opening to one lousy scene ten chapter away from the end. That's it. That's all I need to be done with this book, and I can't figure it out. It's incredibly frustrating.
ReplyDeleteBut here's what I know: You are not a wanna-be. You are not a fraud. You will figure it out.
I know you said you've tried most of the fixes, so I may be suggesting something you've already done, but have you shared it with someone? A critique partner? A writer friend? (not a beta reader.) Someone with fresh eyes who could maybe help you brainstorm a solution? I sent my problem scene to my CPs, and while we didn't devise a solution for the entire problem, I do think they pointed me in the right direction.
But hang in there. You're not a fraud—you WILL figure it out.
I always get a bit sad at finishing a series but what returns the excitement to me is thinking about starting the next series. What are your plans after this one is done?
ReplyDeleteI've been stopped up on a story. For me, I had to set it aside and work on something else. All the while, in the background, my brain was still working on the story and eventually I got back to it.
ReplyDeleteTrust me when I say I know exactly how you feel. But Fluking our way through it is the best we can do, since as writers we're always going to feel like our stories are never finished. Give us book three! I'd love to see it out soon!
ReplyDeleteIf you're like lots of other writers I know, it will pass. Why knows when, but it will. It took me over 20 years on one of my books, which still won't be out until next summer. At least it's fully drafted!
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain. I've been fiddling and fiddling with the ending to my novel forever and it never seems to be done. And querying? Yuck. At least I have a firm deadline--July 27. I've got to try this Twitter pitch thing.
ReplyDeleteTake heart! I'm floundering, too, and I'm only nearing the end of book ONE of my trilogy. Hang in there. Look how much you've already accomplished. You can do it. Give yourself a little break. Take a bubble bath. Eat a half gallon of your favorite ice cream. Join a yoga class. Sail around the world. Whatever. Then repeat as needed until you're ready to jump into your story with your enthusiasm high again. It'll happen.
ReplyDeleteI've been working on the same book for SIX YEARS so yeah, I struggle a bit with finishing. It's hard to deal with that feeling of wanting to walk away when you've already worked so hard and you still feel like something is there. We just have to keep trying.
ReplyDeleteLuck and a fluke? Pffft. The first two books came from hard work and determination. And that's how the third one will come, too. If you have to work through some negative psyche issues, so be it. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteYes, I love all the opportunities that you're creating for the group. Maybe give yourself permission not to work on this project for a bit and then pick it up.
ReplyDeleteHave you considered letting a trusted author friend read it to offer some fresh ideas and feedback? Sometimes that helps.
ReplyDeleteMarch 1st already? That's not only the question I ask, but also 2017 already?
ReplyDeleteYou'll get your story. When you're ready I'm sure it will all gel.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I feel your frustration, Heather!! I'm sure you've tried it all: taking a walk. cleaning. putting it aside for a bit. working out. To name a few. One day an idea for the final chapters will just pop in your head, I'm sure of it.
ReplyDeleteHopefully, the day will come when I can "fluke" myself through the first book. LOL
ReplyDeleteFinish it, Heather! When the time is right, it will happen.
You CAN do it!